Well Drilling Costs in Nebraska
Want the full breakdown? See our Nebraska well drilling cost guide for per-foot rates, itemized components, and what quotes leave out.
A complete private well system in Nebraska typically costs $4,000–$15,000, depending on depth, geology, and equipment choices.
| Component | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Drilling (labor/rig) | $15–$25/ft | Typical 150–300 ft depth. Example: 200 ft = $3,000–$5,000 |
| Casing (4″ PVC / 6″ steel) | $3,000–$6,000 | Material + installation. Example: 100 ft 6″ steel ~$6,120 |
| Pump & Installation | $450–$3,700 | Submersible pump ($200–$1,200) + labor ($250–$2,500) |
| Pressure Tank | $300–$800 | 20–80 gallon tank + installation (~$700 total) |
| Water Testing (initial) | $30–$50 | Coliform ($17) + nitrate ($16) test kits from DHHS |
| State Registration Fee | $240 | Required within 60 days. ≤50 gpm wells |
| NRD Permit (if req'd) | $0–$50 | Most NRDs exempt domestic wells; LPNNRD charges $50 |
| Total Project | $4,000–$15,000+ | 150–300 ft domestic well with pump, tank, basic tests |
Cost Breakdown Example (200 ft Well)
- Drilling: 200 ft × $20/ft = $4,000
- Casing: 4″ PVC ~$3,000
- Pump + install: ~$2,000
- Pressure tank: ~$700
- Testing + fees: ~$150
- Total: ~$9,850
Sources: Drilling costs per renotag.com; pump costs per CostHelper; tank per Forbes; testing per DWEE; registration fee per DWEE forms.
Timeline: From Decision to Drinking Water
Expect 4–8 weeks from your first call to potable water. Most of this time is planning, permitting, and lab testing.
| Step | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Planning & Quotes | 1–2 weeks | Interview contractors, compare bids |
| Permits & Registration | 2–4 weeks | NRD permit (if needed), register well site plan with DWEE |
| Drilling & Construction | 1–3 days | Drill, install casing, gravel pack, seals, pump |
| Disinfection & Flushing | 1–2 days | Shock chlorinate, flush until clear |
| Water Testing | 1–2 weeks | Send samples to lab, receive results |
| Hookup & Commissioning | 1 week | Electrical/plumbing, finalize registration |
Permits & Process
Do You Need a Permit?
Nebraska well requirements depend on well size and location:
Registration only – no drilling permit required per Neb. Rev. Stat. §46-602
- Fee: $240 (≤50 gpm)
- Due within 60 days after completion
- Driller typically handles paperwork
- Some NRDs may require spacing variances
NRD drilling permit required before construction
- Fee: ~$50 (LPNNRD); varies by NRD
- Contact your local Natural Resources District (NRD)
- Processing time: 2–4 weeks
- May require spacing waivers
Who Does What?
Driller Handles:
- Licensing requirements (per Neb. Rev. Stat. §46-1231)
- NRD permit application (if needed)
- Drilling, casing, sealing (Title 134 standards)
- Initial disinfection (shock chlorination)
- Filing well log with DWEE (within 60 days)
Homeowner Handles:
- Payment
- Water testing coordination (DHHS lab or certified lab)
- Call 811 before drilling (utility location)
- Record keeping
- Register old wells if replaced (decommission properly)
Setback Requirements
Nebraska Admin. Code Title 134, Chapter 4 mandates minimum separation distances from contamination sources:
- 100 ft from septic lateral fields, lagoons, animal waste structures and other contamination sources
- 50 ft from septic tanks, pressurized or non-watertight sanitary sewers, or property boundaries
- 10 ft from watertight sanitary sewers, storm sewers, stormwater ways, frost-proof hydrants and well pits
If setbacks cannot be met, the driller may request written approval from DWEE and install a full-length bentonite seal.
Water Quality
Well water testing in Nebraska
Nebraska DHHS and NDEE handles private well water quality in Nebraska. Nebraska recommends annual bacteria and nitrate testing - nitrate is the state’s signature groundwater problem in agricultural areas.
Free or low-cost testing: Nebraska offers FREE nitrate sample kits (postage paid) to any private well owner, and NDEE’s rebate program pays up to $4,000 toward reverse-osmosis treatment for wells over 10 ppm nitrate.
Not sure what to test for? See our national guide to well water testing or order a certified lab test kit shipped to your door.
Recommended Testing
- At minimum (annually): Total coliform bacteria, E. coli, nitrates
- Every 3-5 years: Arsenic (if in south/west NE), heavy metals, minerals
- After any event: Flooding, well repairs, taste/odor changes
Nebraska DHHS Public Health Environmental Lab offers test kits: $17 for coliform, $16 for nitrates. Order by calling 402-471-3935.
Common Nebraska Water Quality Issues
Nitrates (Critical)
Widespread problem due to heavy fertilizer use on shallow aquifers. Wells in irrigated/corn belt areas often exceed EPA limit (10 mg/L). Infants at risk for methemoglobinemia ("blue baby syndrome"). Test annually.
Arsenic
Naturally occurs in southern and western Nebraska aquifers. Upper Republican NRD (southwest NE) has arsenic >10 ppb in many wells. Long-term exposure is carcinogenic.
Hard Water
Most Nebraska wells have high hardness (dissolved calcium/magnesium). Can cause scale buildup. Iron and manganese (iron bacteria) also common, causing metallic taste and brown staining.
Regional Problem Areas
- Northeast/Corn Belt: Shallow alluvial aquifers with intensive farming yield high nitrates and surface contaminants (coliforms)
- Central/Sandhills: Some parts of Niobrara aquifer have high hardness and arsenic
- Southwest Nebraska: Wells in Cherry, Grant, Perkins, Dundy, and Chase counties often exceed arsenic standard (also uranium in some areas)
- Panhandle: Ogallala aquifer can have both nitrate (from irrigation) and naturally-occurring metals
Treatment Options
- Bacteria: Shock-chlorinate well, or install UV sterilizer/continuous chlorination
- Nitrate: Anion exchange or reverse osmosis (RO). Nebraska offers RO rebates for wells >10 ppm
- Arsenic: Reverse osmosis, distillation, or adsorption media (activated alumina, ferric hydroxide)
- Hardness: Ion-exchange water softeners (salt or potassium)
- Iron/Manganese: Oxidizing filters (Greensand), aeration + carbon filtration
Maintenance & Troubleshooting
Routine Maintenance
Inspect and service your well system twice a year (spring and fall) per UNL Water guidance:
- Inspect wellhead: Check cap is intact, vent screen present, ground slopes away
- Check plumbing/equipment: No leaks, flush sediment filters, inspect pressure switch
- Sanitize water heater: Annually flush and sanitize
- Annual testing: Coliform and nitrate (arsenic if previous tests showed levels)
- Record-keeping: Document all maintenance, test results, repairs
Warning Signs of Well Problems
- Sudden loss of water or pressure
- Pump running continuously or short-cycling
- Water discoloration or sediment
- Unusual taste/odor (rotten egg smell, metallic taste)
- Staining (brown, orange, or black on fixtures)
- Air sputtering from faucets
- Degraded well components (cracked casing, loose cap)
DIY vs. Professional
DIY Tasks:
- Annual water testing (buy kit, mail sample)
- Filter changes
- Wellhead and system inspections
- Initial chlorination (follow UNL G1761)
Call Licensed Contractor:
- New pump installation or major pump repair
- Low yield or drilling needed
- Persistent contamination
- Electrical problems
- Decommissioning old wells (required by law)
Find a Licensed Driller
Nebraska law requires a licensed water well contractor for all well drilling work (per Neb. Rev. Stat. §46-1231).
Search Licensed Drillers in Nebraska
Find Drillers Near You →How to Verify a Driller
- Ask for their DWEE license number
- Verify at DWEE's Active Licensee Lookup portal
- Check the Nebraska Well Drillers Association (NWDA) member list
- Get 2-3 written quotes
- Ask for references from recent jobs
Resources & Contacts
DWEE Water Well Programs
Registration: 402-471-2186. Licensing: 402-471-4982. Title 134 rules.
Nebraska DHHS Public Health Environmental Lab
Private well water testing, test kits ($17 coliform, $16 nitrate)
University of Nebraska Extension (Water)
Educational resources on well management, testing, treatment
Key Forms & Documents
- Water Well Registration Form (DWEE WWR) – required within 60 days, fee $240
- Change of Ownership Form (DWEE) – if buying property with a well
- Water Well Decommissioning Form (DWEE) – for properly filling old wells
County Health Departments
Many Nebraska health districts offer test kits and educational materials. Examples:
- South Heartland District Health (Adams/Clay/Nuckolls/Webster) offers free nitrate test kits via Citizen Science program (call 402-462-6211)
- North Central DHD (Antelope, Holt counties) provides test kits via NRDs
Regulatory References
- Nebraska Rev. Stat. §46-602 – Well registration
- 134 NAC Chapter 4 – Well construction standards, setbacks
- Nebraska Rev. Stat. §46-1231 – Licensed drillers required
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to drill a well in Nebraska?
Do I need a permit to drill a well in Nebraska?
How long does it take to drill a well in Nebraska?
Are nitrates a problem in Nebraska wells?
Is arsenic a problem in Nebraska wells?
Are You a Licensed Driller?
Check out our compliance reference for Nebraska drilling regulations, forms, and requirements.
Nebraska Driller Compliance Guide →